Just a "FYI" for anyone thinking about visiting the Filson Outlet up in Burlington, WA. I was just there on Friday, 01/04 and they are nearly wiped out of anything in Filson's luggage line. I think they may have had 3 bags total. Not sure if there was a Holiday rush on these items or what...
I'll try to stop by again in the next couple of weeks and see if they have re-stocked at all. Not sure what their supply chain is for seconds. Don't imagine it's all that...

That's a good question. I do believe that ALL of the articles in the outlet store are X-outs. I assume they come from a number of sources (returns, repairs(?), exchanges, seconds, etc.). I honestly don't know how they get such a large number of well-used articles. Does someone return one of these pieces for repair and then the factory tells them "It would just be better to send you a new piece"? If so, they must still make the returned article useable before it goes...

Ahhhh, yeah. I hadn't thought of the fact that virtually everything they (the Outlet) have for luggage is "vintage" vs. seconds. I didn't see much of anything in the luggage area that looked at all new - as far as I can recall.

raney, Looks like you're in the Seattle area... have you thought about a trip up to the beautiful Skagit Valley (Burlington) to peruse the Filson Outlet? Last time I was in there, they had tons of various luggage items.... can't be sure you'd find the medium duffle though. Might be worth a call ... (360)503-1897

Definitely not a grip hater here. I suppose if you're used to not having one, it would be fine. For me, I wouldn't have a bag without one. Keeps the handles together and at the top of the bag. When I have my hands full and slide the strap off my shoulder to put the bag down, I don't want to have to be fumbling for one or both handles on each side of the bag. When I'm in the TSA line at the airport with my shoes, belt and passport in one hand, I like the other hand to have...

Just for clarification... the pockets in the front, zippered compartment of the 258 are a mix of closed and open-bottom. There are 4 various-sized open-bottom pockets and 2 closed-bottom pockets. 1 of the closed-bottom pockets is fairly large and would easily hold an external HD and/or a mouse. The other closed-bottom pocket is fairly small, but large enough to hold a couple thumb-drives, pack of gum, etc. so those things do not end up swimming around the bottom of your...

Nice stuff and I appreciate the fact that it's a US company. However, not made in USA - Made in Mexico (unless I've missed a very recent update). Not a commentary on the qualtiy nor a political statement, just a clarification with regard to the thread title. Cheers, Dean

Yeah, I may bite the bullet and use the sandpaper. I've got a multi-tool that will probably help with keeping it controlled so I don't hit/weaken the stitching. Still might pursue the custom strap from Brookwood though... just to have an option and because I like his work so much.
By the way, the backorder didn't last too long. Mine is on it's way from The Wharf Online in California as of this morning. Funny thing too because I only live about an hour away from the...

That doesn't look bad, and I'm sure it would do the trick. Just not sure I'll be able to bring myself to break out the 60 grit and start goin' to town. Depends though... The first time I take it on a trip and it's slipping off my shoulder, I might just find myself rubbing it on the asphalt .
It's on backorder from the vendor right now, so I have some time to ponder my options... At least until I get tired of waiting and order it from someone else. Has there been an issue...

Will do. Wasn't sure about the etiquette involved in posting names of businesses - even though I am not affiliated. If I go that route, I will post pics so that others may see if it's a viable option for them. He has some very simple, unadorned but tasteful styles that seem like they would be fairly easily modified to be appropriate for a bag - unless you really want conchos and embossed initials on your strap .
Dean